Click here for the Recall Press Release
Estes-Cox Radio Control Airplanes with Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries Recall
Questions and Answers
Scope of the Recall
Q. Which model of remote-controlled airplanes is being recalled?
A. Model number 4116.
Q. When and where were the airplanes sold?
A. Department, discount and hobby stores throughout the United States sold the Model 4116 Sky Rangers Park Flyer Airplane from September 2005 through December 2006.
Q. Where is the model number located?
A. It’s printed on the side of the box just above the UPC and bar code.
Q. Is the model number anywhere other than on the box?
A. The model number is also on the front page of the instructions, near the top on the right, just below the picture of the airplane.
Q. How else can consumer tell if their plane is included in the recall?
A. Model 4116, a Sky Rangers Park Flyer remote-controlled airplane with 14 inch wingspan, is gray with orange markings and military style decals, has a single engine and a propeller on the front of the plane. Wings are slightly upswept at the tips. It has a copper coil on the rudder at the rear of the plane. The plane comes with both a blue transmitter and a black field charger that uses “C” batteries. The plane is not included in the recall if
Q. Are the Sky Rangers Pee Wee Fighter airplanes with the same product number included in the recall?
A. No. The only Sky Rangers 4116 airplane being recalled is the Park Ranger with coil in the rudder and upswept wing tips. The Sky Rangers Pee Wee Fighter looks a lot like the Park Flyer but has flat wings and a metal rod leading from the fuselage to the rudder where it is attached with a white plastic clevis.
Reasons for Recall
Q. Why are these planes being recalled?
A. The planes may explode following charging when the switch is turned to “ON”, posing a risk of temporary hearing loss and injuries to eyes, face and hands.
Q. What causes the plane to explode?
A. The plane’s rechargeable NiMH battery generates small amounts of hydrogen gas while being charged. If the gas is unable to escape the fuselage, it may ignite when the electrical switch is turned “ON”.
Q. How did Estes learn of this issue?
A. Estes has received reports from consumers that these airplanes exploded when being turned on resulting in ringing in the ears, temporary hearing loss and in some other minor injuries including bruises.
Instructions for Participating in the Recall
Q. What should consumers do if they have one of the recalled airplanes?
A. Consumers who have one of the recalled airplanes should:
1. Stop using the plane immediately, as there is a possibility of the plane exploding when being turned on resulting in ringing in the ears, temporary hearing loss and in some other minor injuries including bruises.
2. Call 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or go to our website, www.estesrockets.com, to send an e-mail to Estes to register for the voluntary recall. (Consumers who send an email must provide their name, address, and telephone number in the email, and type PARK FLYER RECALL in the Subject Line. They should also include the model number of their airplane.)
Estes will send participating consumers by First Class Mail, a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope. Consumers will then follow the instructions below to return the fuselage (body) of the airplane to Estes and receive a replacement Sky Rangers radio-controlled airplane, Model 4160, free of charge.
Q. How will consumers receive a replacement airplane?
A. Consumers who register for the recall will receive from Estes a pre-addressed, postage paid envelope and the following instructions to return the fuselage (body) of the airplane to Estes:
1. Remove the wings so that the fuselage will fit into the envelope that Estes will send to you after you register for the voluntary recall.
2. Place the fuselage in the envelope and mail back to Estes via the U.S. Postal Service.
3. Upon receipt of the returned fuselage, Estes will send a replacement Sky Rangers radio-controlled airplane, Model 4160. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
Q. Can consumers return the product back to the store?
A. No, to participate in the recall, consumers must contact Estes by calling 1 (800) 576-5811 toll-free or by going to our website, www.estesrockets.com.
Q. Why does it take 4 weeks to receive the replacement product?
A. Estes is working to provide your replacement as quickly as possible. Most likely you will receive your replacement sooner but we may experience a heavy volume of returns or unexpected delays.
Q. Can consumers keep their airplane if it is working well?
A. No. For the safety of consumers, it is important that they participate in the voluntary recall.
Q. Can consumers use the transmitter from the recalled airplanes with their new plane?
A. No. Consumers should only use the transmitter/charger that is provided with the plane.
Q. Can consumers fix the plane themselves?
A. No. To participate in the voluntary recall, consumers must follow the instructions above and will receive a new airplane free of charge.
Q. May consumers get a refund instead of a new airplane?
A. No. The recall remedy is a new airplane, which Estes will provide free of charge, and not a refund.
If you have other questions for which you do not find an answer, please feel free to contact us via the phone number or email information provided.